Beyond the Storm: Navigating Mental Health with Anticipation, Expression, and Kindness

Navigating the realm of mental health is very similar to traversing a minefield; it is delicate, treacherous, and often misunderstood. Throughout my existence, I have been intimately acquainted with its complexities, grappling with feelings of isolation, despair, and anxiety that seem to permeate every fiber of my being.

During my childhood, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, which intensified my struggles, leading to behavioral issues and grandiose notions that felt both exhilarating and daunting. Strangely, upon enlisting in the Navy, these emotions seemed to dissipate as if swallowed by the vast expanse of the ocean. However, despite the bipolar disorder going away as I grew older, the effects of those turbulent times remained, forcing me to confront the stigma associated with mental health and illness.

However, the assumption that mental health challenges are synonymous with madness or instability may be a fallacy. It could be that those of us dealing with these challenges are just individuals trying to navigate through life's turbulent waters. We seek comfort and comprehension in a world that frequently lacks both. We are not broken—we are survivors of invisible battles, still standing.

Developing Personal Coping Tools

As I have grown, I have begun to build a toolbox of coping mechanisms—methods that support my journey through the highs and lows. While they are not cures, they offer comfort. They offer grounding. They remind me that I still have choices even in chaos.

Anticipation of Joy

Planning a trip to Disneyland with my sister serves as a beacon of hope in dark times, reminding me of the joy that laughter and connection can bring. It is essential to have something to look forward to—big or small. Anticipation in itself is powerful. It creates a mental space where possibility lives. The idea of future happiness is sometimes enough to pull us through our darkest moments.

Trips are a great example of this. From the moment you begin to plan, you shift focus from internal pain to external excitement. You research, you imagine, you coordinate. And all of that creates small but meaningful doses of dopamine, keeping you mentally invested in something beautiful on the horizon. Even marking a date on the calendar gives you something concrete to cling to.

The Power of Words

I have found writing to be an incredibly therapeutic outlet unlike any other. Unlike traditional therapy, writing allows me to express my thoughts and emotions freely and without fear of being judged or criticized. It provides me with a haven to pour my heart and mind onto the page.

When I write, I can explore my feelings, give them names, and work through my fears without interruption. The blank page listens without pressure. Some days I write to release pain, others to document gratitude. Both are healing in their own ways. Journaling, blogging, even jotting down a few lines on my phone has helped me track my moods and gain clarity.

Writing helps bridge the gap between thought and healing. It externalizes the chaos and makes it tangible—something I can respond to. And in that way, it becomes one of my greatest allies in this journey through mental health.

Embrace Kindness

Over time, I have come to understand the incredible influence of kindness—toward others, and most importantly, toward myself. Kindness is not weakness. It is resistance in a harsh world. When I choose love, I soften the sharp edges of my experiences. I give others grace and offer myself permission to be human.

This might mean texting a friend out of the blue, thanking a nurse for their patience, or speaking gently to myself after a difficult day. I have found that when I am kind to others, I feel more connected. When I am kind to myself, I feel more whole. It is a loop of compassion that starts small and grows wider. And even when I mess up or fall short, I remind myself that I deserve the same empathy I would offer to anyone else.

The Return of Reality

Of course, these coping mechanisms do not erase the harsh truths of life. After my recent trip—the one I had planned and dreamed about—I came home to reality. There were blood tests, chemo pills, and the start of Round Two staring me down. Life does not pause. The storm always returns. But I believe the point is not to escape reality permanently—it is to build mental and emotional rest stops along the journey.

Escapes are valid. Rest is necessary. But resilience lies in our ability to return to the hard parts stronger, softer, and more aware. With every cycle, I learn to carry both: the lightness of joy and the heaviness of treatment. That is what surviving mental health struggles and chronic illness looks like. It is a balancing act. One that requires daily maintenance, humility, and hope.

New Practices I Am Exploring

Recently, I have started exploring other supportive practices to complement the ones I already rely on. Meditation is one of them. Though I still struggle to sit still some days, guided meditations from apps like Headspace and Insight Timer have become small rituals of calm. I also learned about grounding techniques—placing your feet on the floor, naming things you can see and hear, even holding a warm cup of tea—to remind your body that it is safe.

Therapy remains another option I lean on when writing is not enough. Having someone trained to help navigate my mind offers structure, perspective, and accountability. If you have access to therapy or support groups, I highly recommend giving it a try. Your mental health is worth professional care just as much as physical health is.

Digital Detox and Reducing Clutter

Another tool I have come to appreciate is the act of unplugging. The constant stimulation from social media, news, and texts can add noise to an already overwhelmed brain. I have begun designating digital-free hours where I can disconnect and just breathe. I journal more during those times or sit quietly on my porch. It is amazing how quiet the world becomes when we stop scrolling.

In that same spirit, I have been slowly reducing clutter around my living space. There is something therapeutic about letting go of things I no longer need—emotionally and physically. Organizing my home has become a metaphor for organizing my mind. Less chaos. More calm.

Final Reflections

Mental health is not a destination. It is a journey with no set route. Some days are clearer than others. Some days the fog is thick. But every day we choose to keep going—that matters. Whether it is through planning joyful events, expressing emotions through writing, or showing yourself deep kindness, every tool you develop becomes part of your survival kit.

There will always be storms. There will always be setbacks. But there can also be peace. There can be comfort. There can be community and healing. And in those moments—beyond the chaos—that is where life really happens.

Helpful Resources

• Headspace – Meditation App
• NAMI – National Alliance on Mental Illness
• SAMHSA Mental Health Helpline
• More Mental Health Posts – JohnVsGBM

Tags: Mental Health, Bipolar Disorder, Coping Mechanisms, Cancer and Emotion, Mindfulness, Journaling, Anticipation and Hope, Compassion, Glioblastoma, JohnVsGBM

Disclaimer: This blog post is based on personal experience and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, depression, or emotional distress, please reach out to a licensed professional or call a helpline. In the U.S., you can contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 anytime, 24/7. Your life matters. You are not alone.